Russia get revenge on Finland to win IIHF World Championships

Znarok was banned from having any involvement with the team before or during the game after making a throat slashing gesture in a heated exchange with Sweden assistant coach Rikard Gronborg in Saturday’s semi-final.

However, Znarok’s ban did not prevent Russia from claiming a fourth world title in seven years with an excellent performance, gaining revenge for their 3-1 defeat to Finland in the quarter-finals at the Winter Olympic Games in February.

Russia took the lead in the 11th minute as Sergei Shirokov found the net for a powerplay goal, but Iiro Pakarinen levelled matters three seconds before the end of the first period for Finland.

And the Finns then turned the game on its head six minutes in to the second period as Olli Palola netted with a powerplay goal on the rebound after Russia’s Danis Zaripov had been penalised for interference.

Yet that lead lasted less than a minute, Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin quickly tying things up for Russia.

Ill-discipline defined the second period, with Russia’s Yegor Yakovlev sent to the penalty box in the 33rd minute before the Finland duo of Jarkko Immonen and Petri Kontiola were both called for fouls in quick succession.

Finland were duly punished as Russia retook the lead after 35 minutes when Pittsburgh Penguins star Yevgeni Malkin found the top corner.

Russia had not lost a single game throughout the tournament prior to the final and showcased just why in the last period as they finished the competition unbeaten.

First Zaripov made it 4-2 with another powerplay effort, and an ill-tempered Finland side were finally seen off in the 56th minute, Viktor Tikhonov tipping home an Alexander Kutuzov drive to seal the crown for Russia.